A Florida woman’s trust in her dog sitter turned into every pet owner’s nightmare after she discovered her beloved French Bulldog had been sold behind her back.
The Betrayal
According to police, the dog sitter was hired to care for the high-value French Bulldog while the owner was out of town. Instead of honoring the agreement, investigators say the sitter secretly sold the dog for cash — pocketing thousands of dollars.
The French Bulldog, a purebred worth an estimated $5,000, was quickly listed for sale. French Bulldogs are among the most in-demand and expensive breeds in the U.S., making them a frequent target of theft and scams.
How Police Got Involved
When the owner returned and couldn’t find her pet, she immediately confronted the sitter. After receiving suspicious answers, she contacted law enforcement. Detectives launched an investigation and soon tracked down the missing pup.
Authorities say they were able to recover the French Bulldog and return it safely to its rightful owner. The sitter was arrested and now faces charges of grand theft and animal trafficking.
A Growing Problem
Cases like this are becoming increasingly common. Because of their high resale value, French Bulldogs have been at the center of theft rings, dognappings, and fraudulent sales nationwide. Experts warn pet owners to carefully vet sitters and use reputable services when leaving animals in someone else’s care.
Owner’s Relief
While the ordeal was traumatic, the dog’s owner says she’s just thankful her beloved pet is back home. “He’s family to me,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine losing him forever.”
The accused sitter is being held pending further investigation, and authorities are urging anyone who suspects pet theft to report it immediately.
